Reps panel tasks VCs on transparency, budget compliance

The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has called on vice-chancellors and management teams of federal universities to maintain transparency and accountability in their financial dealings, while strictly adhering to the Appropriation Act. This directive was issued following an oversight visit to universities and inter-university centers across the South-West geopolitical zone.

During the visit, the committee identified significant challenges faced by the institutions, warning that financial irregularities, lack of transparency, and failure to comply with budgetary provisions could exacerbate their problems.

The committee's chairman, Abubakar Fulata, expressed concern over discrepancies in financial records submitted by some universities, particularly the inconsistencies in reported internally generated revenue and expenditure. For example, Fulata cited instances where universities claimed to have generated N9 billion but spent N10 billion, raising questions about the source of the unaccounted N1 billion.

Similarly, he noted cases where universities reported generating N12 billion in income but only spent N8 billion, without providing details about the whereabouts of the remaining N4 billion.

Fulata emphasized that public institutions must account for the funds allocated to them and the internally generated revenue, stressing that proper financial management is crucial for enhancing the quality of university education. He also acknowledged the political pressures leading up to the 2027 general elections but stressed that such considerations should not overshadow their constitutional duties.

The committee's oversight exercise aimed to ensure that no sector of the economy is neglected due to the election year. Additionally, the committee directed the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, to submit the institution's 2024, 2025, and 2026 budgets and appear before them next week. Other universities, including the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; Federal University Oye-Ekiti; Federal University of Technology, Akure; and Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, were also directed to update their records and submit comprehensive reports on the implementation of their budgets.

The oversight exercise is part of the National Assembly's constitutional responsibility to scrutinize public expenditures, monitor the implementation of approved budgets, and ensure that government institutions utilize public funds for their intended purposes.